Search This Blog

Saturday, February 23, 2013

It should be easy to believe that dinosaurs are dead, right? Wrong! Dave's trip to the museum with his dad proves that sometimes what you believe isn't always what you see. His dad's futile attempt to convince Dave that the bigger than life antics of the dinosaurs are a figment of his imagination proves that parents aren't always right. Too bad his dad has to wait until a larger than life Tyrannosaurus tries to eat them before he shouts "Run, Dave, RUN!"

Instead of the usual skeletal dinosaurs, Ayto's bright illustrations of the dinosaurs bodies, give life to the museum experience. Throw in the dinosaurs names on the pedestals and the amusing trip becomes a disguised learning opportunity. Recommended fun for a the young radar and a great read aloud for parents.

Purchase at the following retailers.

Publishing Information

Publisher: Peathertree Publishers (March 2013)

ISBN: 978-1-56145-690-1

Ages: 4-8

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Peachtree Publishing is generously offering one of my lucky readers a copy of Are The Dinosaurs Dead, Dad? by Julie Middleton & illustrator, Russell Ayto.To enter, use the Rafflecopter form found at the end of this post. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the Rafflecopter form and agree to them. Contest ends 3/10/2013 at 11:59 EST.

**I received this book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was received.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

All of Nate Foster's dreams revolve around starring on Broadway. Living in a town like Jankburg, Pennsylvania doesn't present many opportunities for a thirteen year-old boy whose favorite pastime is singing Broadway tunes. When his best friend, Libby, discovers a casting call for the Broadway version of E.T.:The Musical, she encourages Nate to follow his passion and audition for the part of Elliot.Together, Nate and Libby hatch an elaborate plan to escape Jankburg for an overnight trip to the Big Apple. Certainly he'll be back the next day with the part of Elliott in hand before anyone knows he's even missing, right? Unfortunately, even the best laid plans go awry.The reader can't help but fall in love with Nate, idiosyncrasies and all, while he falls in love with New York. With a perfect dose of humor, debut author, Tim Federle, sets the stage for a standing ovation. The light-heartedness at the beginning of the novel, paves the way to the heavier issues of family relationships and sexuality. Full of adventure, unique characters and plenty of laughter, Better Nate Than Ever will have the young reader sneaking a flashlight under the covers into the wee hours of the night. Highly recommended for all those who have never really felt they have quite fit in.Publishing InformationPublisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (Feb. 5, 2013)Ages: 9 and upISBN: 978-1442446892 Pages: 288 (hardcover)This book can be purchased through the following retailers:

**I received this book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was received.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Thank you to author F.T. Bradley for providing a signed hardback copy of the latest spy thriller, Double Vision.I am giving away the signed review copy I received. Be sure to check out my review.Contest Details: Winner will receive an autographed hard copy of Double Vision. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. Contest ends 2/16/2013 at 11:59 EST.By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the Rafflecopter form and agree to them.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, February 1, 2013

Lincoln Baker's recent field trip to a chicken farm with his class ends up a disaster when he carries his wild antics a bit too far. When the farmer slaps his family with a lawsuit, Linc worries that his parents will have to work the rest of their lives to pay the damages. Linc jumps at the chance to bail his family out of the mess he created by agreeing to attend "boot camp" with two secret agents who show up at his door. The agents promise to make Linc's troubles disappear if he does as they tell him.

Boot camp for Linc ends up a secret mission across the world in Paris, France posing as his look alike agent, Benjamin Green. It turns out Ben is missing and the "evil Mona Lisa" has disappeared as well. Linc befriends Francoise, the daughter of the baker's family who owned the painting. Together they must solve the clues her father leaves behind before the painting falls into the hands of double crossing agents and is used for evil purposes.

Though the premise feels like a watered down version of the Da Vinci Code, Bradley redeems with a strong protagonist middle grade boys will easily relate to. The young reader probably won't even notice the Da Vinci comparison. Plenty of action will keep the young reader glued to the pages, rooting for Linc at every turn. A strong female side kick make Double Vision an action adventure that will appeal to the female mystery lover as well. RECOMMENDED ages 8-12.